A computer program created in the UGR simulates Chemistry-Physics laboratory training

The teaching innovation project “Chemistry-Physics teaching-evaluation by using new technologies”, coordinated by Professor Alberto Hernández Gaínza, was created to do virtual laboratory training with computer programs. Lecturers of the Dpt. of Chemistry Physics, José María Álvarez Pez and Eva María Talavera Rodríguez, also take part in the project, approved by the Vice-Rectorate of Teaching Planning, Quality and Evaluation.

Students are coached in real training –according to the person in charge of the teaching innovation project, Hernández Gaínza—and do things that would be impossible for material or time limitations.

Moreover, this project aims to introduce students to the use of this sort of program as a teaching method, check its potential as a teaching method, simulate laboratory experiences with web pages, use statistical packets to solve graphic problems, etc.

According to the persons in charge of the project “the teaching experience in the subject of Chemistry Physics shows that learning is difficult by using traditional teaching materials.”

The number of practices would exceed two hundred thanks to the new method, and the number of hours the students would need to carry them out would exceed 500. “Students usually do from five to eight practices of the subject as a teaching complement, which is inadequate and, in addition, they carry them out when the laboratory is available and not when the student needs the teaching resource. Doing and discussing the practices is the best way to learn”.

Reference: Prof. Alberto Hernández Gainza.
Dpt. Chemistry Physics. University of Granada.
Phone number: 958 246212.
E-mail: ahgainza@platon.ugr.es